Robert W. "Bob" Friedrich

Robert W. "Bob" Friedrich, 82, of Springfield, passed away at 7:36 a.m. on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Meadow Manor Nursing Home. He was born on January 4, 1934 in Morrisonville, IL, to William Klingler and Ruby Irene Friedrich. He married Doloris Joy Palmer on November 27, 1954 in Nokomis, IL. She preceded him in death in May, 2007. Surviving are his children, Bryan Robert, Brent Robert, Brenda Kay (husband, Rick) LaVigne and Kevin Dean, all of Springfield; grandchildren, Jacelyn Hemmelgarn, Val Butler, Russell Smith, Megan Graichen-Keffer, Samantha, Sara, Bryan Jr., Craig, Blaine, and Caleb Friedrich, Mandi Vehlow, and Jason and Brittany Friedrich; many great-grandchildren; sisters, Doris Jean Oller and Judith Ann Bragg; and many nieces and nephews. Also preceding him in death were his parents and a brother, Larry LaVerne Friedrich. Robert enjoyed fast pitch softball in which he participated as a pitcher. He also enjoyed having managed youth baseball in Taylorville and Springfield, bowling, fishing, the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, U of I sports, electronics, computers, and remodeling in his family's homes when asked. Robert also cherished Precious, his pet peek-a-poo. Robert was a graduate of Taylorville High School in 1952 and upon graduating he was employed with the Cohen Furniture Store. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1954. After his discharge in 1956, he was employed at Franklin Life Insurance Company in Springfield where he retired from in 1989. He then worked for Dickey-John Corporation in Auburn and retired from there in 1996. On April 14, 2011, Robert was inducted into the Taylorville High School Sports Hall of Fame. Visitation: The family welcomes relatives and friends to visit from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, with Rev. Msgr. Lantz officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.